JP2011154851A - Switch device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a switch device that is mainly used for operation of each kind of interior electronic device of vehicles in which blur and chipping in a display part due to swing movement and rotation operation of an operation body is less likely to occur, thereby achieving the clear display part of the switch device. <P>SOLUTION: Ribs 22G that are higher than the display part 22F are formed near both sides of the display part 22F so that the ribs are orthogonal to a swinging direction on an operation surface 22E of an operation part 22A of the operation body 22. As a result, for example, when the operation body 22 is swung by thumb, the thumb is brought into contact with the ribs 22G of the operation surface 22E, so the thumb is less likely to directly contact with and rub the display part 22F. Thus, the blur and chipping in the display part 22F is less likely to occur, thereby achieving the clear display part of the switch device. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a switch device mainly used for operation of various electronic devices in a vehicle cabin.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, an increasing number of electronic devices such as an air conditioner and an acoustic device in a vehicle interior are equipped with a switch device of various operation methods mounted on a steering wheel or a front panel in an automobile.

  Such a conventional switch device will be described with reference to FIGS.

  4 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional switch device, and FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the main part. In FIG. 4, 1 is a case made of an insulating resin with an opening on the bottom surface, and 2 is an operating body made of insulating resin. A substantially lever-like operation part 2A extending upwards substantially into the center of the operation body 2 protrudes from the opening 1A formed on the shaft 1B, and a shaft hole 2H of the operation body 2 extends into the shaft part 1B projecting inside the case 1 The operating body 2 is pivotally supported in the case 1 so as to be swingable in the left-right direction.

  The operation body 2 is formed of a light-colored light-transmitting portion 2B such as white or milky white, or a dark-colored light-impermeable portion 2C such as black painted so as to cover the surface, and the light-impermeable portion 2C. Is removed by a laser or the like into a predetermined shape such as a figure or a symbol, and the translucent portion 2B is exposed, for example, an illuminated display portion 2D displaying “▽” is formed.

  Further, a display portion 2F on which “TEMP” is displayed, for example, is formed on the non-transparent portion 2C by tampo printing or the like on the substantially planar operation surface 2E at the upper end of the operation portion 2A.

  Reference numeral 3 denotes a wiring board having a plurality of wiring patterns (not shown) formed on the upper and lower surfaces, and 4 denotes an automatic return type push switch as a switch contact. Similarly, the push switch 4 is mounted with a light emitting element 5 such as an LED mounted substantially at the center.

  Reference numeral 6 denotes an insulating resin push pin. Reference numeral 7 denotes a holding body. The push pin 6 is inserted into the guide hole 7A so as to be movable up and down, and the upper surface of the push pin 6 protrudes from the lower surface of the operating body 2. And the bottom surface of the push pin 6 abuts on the top surface of the push button 4A of the push switch 4 to constitute a switch device.

  The switch device configured as described above is attached to the spokes (not shown) of the steering wheel in the vehicle interior with the upper surface of the operation body 2 facing forward, and is attached to the automobile, and the push switch 4 and the light emission. The element 5 is electrically connected to an electronic circuit (not shown) of the vehicle via a wiring pattern, a lead wire (not shown) or the like.

  In the above configuration, when the thumb is extended while grasping the steering wheel, and the swinging operation is performed in the left-right direction while pressing the operating surface 2E of the operating unit 2A, the operating body 2 swings around the shaft hole 2H as a fulcrum, and the swinging direction Accordingly, the pressing portion 2G moves the push pin 6 downward to press the push button 4A, and the contact portions (not shown) of the plurality of push switches 4 are electrically connected and separated.

  The electronic circuit of the vehicle detects the electrical contact / separation of the push switch 4, and the electronic circuit controls various devices mounted on the automobile in response to this, for example, the temperature of an air conditioner such as an air conditioner. Increase / decrease is performed.

  In addition, when the surroundings are dark, such as at night or in a tunnel, the display unit 2F of the operation surface 2E is not illuminated, but the illumination display unit 2D is illuminated by the light emitting element 5 so that the operation unit 2A can be easily operated in the horizontal direction. ing.

  In other words, a switch device is mounted on the steering wheel, and the operation body 2 is swing-operated by, for example, extending only the thumb without moving the hand from the steering wheel to control various devices in the vehicle. It is configured to facilitate the operation of the equipment inside.

  When the swinging operation is performed by pressing the substantially planar operation surface 2E of the operation unit 2A with the thumb, the abdominal surface of the thumb abuts on almost the entire display unit 2F of the operation surface 2E and rubs it. If the operation is repeated, the printed display portion 2F is likely to be faint or chipped.

  As prior art document information related to the invention of this application, for example, Patent Document 1 is known.

JP 2009-43524 A

  However, in the above conventional switch device, when the swing operation is performed by pressing the substantially planar operation surface 2E with the thumb, the abdominal surface of the thumb abuts against almost the entire display portion 2F of the operation surface 2E, and thus rubs. When the swinging operation overlaps with long-term use, there is a problem that the display unit 2F is faint or chipped, and the display unit 2F tends to be unclear.

  The present invention solves such a conventional problem, and provides a switch device in which the display unit is less likely to be blurred or chipped by the swinging operation of the operating body, and the display unit is clear even during long-term use. For the purpose.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a switch by extending ribs higher than the display unit in the vicinity of both sides of the display unit in a direction orthogonal to the swinging or rotating direction on the operation surface of the operating body. The device is configured by extending ribs higher than the display unit in the vicinity of both sides of the display unit, so that, for example, when the operating body is swung or rotated with the thumb, the belly surface of the thumb is the rib of the operation surface. It is difficult to touch the display part directly and it is difficult to rub the display part, so that the display part is less likely to be blurred or chipped, and a switch device with a clear display part can be obtained even after long-term use. Have.

  As described above, according to the present invention, even if the operating body is swung or rotated with a simple configuration, the display unit on the operation surface is hardly blurred or chipped, and the display unit is clear even after long-term use. An advantageous effect that a simple switching device can be realized is obtained.

Sectional drawing of the switch apparatus by one embodiment of this invention Perspective view of the main part Perspective view of main part according to another embodiment Sectional view of a conventional switch device Perspective view of the main part

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part of the structure same as the structure demonstrated in the term of background art, and detailed description is simplified.

(Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a switch device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an essential part, in which 1 is a case made of an insulating resin such as ABS with a bottom opening, and 22 is polycarbonate or ABS. The operation body 22A, which is made of an insulating resin or the like, protrudes upward from the opening 1A formed on the upper surface of the case 1 to the approximate center of the operation body 22 and protrudes upward. The hole 22J is pivotally supported by a shaft portion 1B protruding to the inside of the case 1, and the operating body 22 is mounted in the case 1 so as to be swingable in the left-right direction.

  The operation body 22 is formed of a light-colored translucent portion 22B such as white or milky white, or a dark-colored opaque portion 22C such as black painted so as to cover the surface, and the base of the operation portion 22A. In the vicinity thereof, an illumination display portion 22D displaying, for example, “▽” is formed in which the opaque portion 22C is removed by a laser or the like into a predetermined shape such as a figure or a symbol, and the transparent portion 22B is exposed.

  Further, on the operation surface 22E at the upper end of the operation unit 22A, a display unit 22F in which, for example, “TEMP” is displayed on the non-translucent unit 22C is formed, and both sides of the display unit 22F in the left-right direction are formed. In the vicinity, ribs 22G are formed to extend in a direction orthogonal to the swinging direction of the operation unit 22A so as to sandwich the display unit 22F.

  The length of the rib 22G is longer than the length of the display portion 22F in the longitudinal direction, and the height of the rib 22G protrudes from the operation surface 22E by 0.4 to 2.0 mm.

  Accordingly, when the operation body 22E is swung by pressing the operation surface 22E of the operation unit 22A with the thumb, the abdominal surface of the thumb hits the rib 22G and it is difficult to directly touch the display unit 22F.

  Reference numeral 3 denotes a wiring board having a plurality of wiring patterns (not shown) formed on the upper and lower surfaces, and 4 denotes an automatic return type push switch as a switch contact, and a plurality of pushes below the operation body 22 on the upper surface of the wiring board 3. Similarly, the switch 4 has a light emitting element 5 such as an LED mounted and mounted at substantially the center.

  In addition, 6 is an insulating resin push pin, and 7 is also an insulating resin holding body. The push pin 6 is inserted into the guide hole 7A so as to be movable up and down, and the upper surface of the push pin 6 protrudes from the lower surface of the operation body 22. The switch device is configured such that the lower surface of the push pin 6 is in contact with the upper surface of the push button 4A of the push switch 4 while being in contact with the pressed portion 22H.

  The switch device thus configured is attached to the spokes (not shown) of the steering wheel in the vehicle interior with the upper surface of the operating body 22 facing forward, and is attached to the automobile, and the push switch 4 and the light emission. The element 5 is electrically connected to an electronic circuit (not shown) of the vehicle via a wiring pattern, a lead wire (not shown) or the like.

  In the above configuration, when the operating body 22 is swung left and right while extending the thumb while holding the steering wheel and pressing the operating surface 22E of the operating portion 22A, the operating body 22 swings around the shaft hole 22J as a fulcrum. According to the swinging direction, the pressing portion 22H moves the push pin 6 downward to press the push button 4A, so that the contact portions of the plurality of push switches 4 are electrically connected and separated.

  At this time, when the operating body 22 is swung while pressing the operating surface 22E with the thumb, the thumb hits the rib 22G formed on the left and right sides of the display portion 22F, and the thumb's abdominal surface is printed below the rib 22G. It is difficult for the thumb to directly touch the display unit 22F.

  Therefore, even if the operation body 22 is repeatedly swung, the display unit 22F is not easily rubbed by the thumb, so that the display unit 22F is less likely to be blurred or chipped, and the display unit 22F is clear even after long-term use. Maintained in a state.

  When the push switch 4 is electrically connected / disconnected, the electronic circuit of the vehicle detects this, and in response to this, the electronic circuit controls various devices mounted on the automobile, for example, an air conditioner or the like. The temperature of the air conditioner is increased or decreased.

  Further, when the surroundings are dark, such as at night or in a tunnel, the display unit 22F of the operation surface 22E is not illuminated, but the illumination display unit 22D is illuminated by the light emitting element 5 to facilitate the operation.

  In other words, by attaching a switch device to the steering wheel and controlling the various devices in the vehicle by, for example, extending the thumb and swinging the operating body 22 without releasing the hand, It is configured to facilitate the operation of the equipment inside.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the ribs 22G higher than the display unit 22F are provided in the vicinity of both sides of the display unit 22F in the direction perpendicular to the swinging direction of the operation surface 22E of the operation unit 22A of the operating body 22. By extending the operation body 22 with the thumb, the thumb abuts against the rib 22G of the operation surface 22E and hardly touches the display portion 22F directly, and the display portion is hardly rubbed. It is difficult to cause faintness or chipping, and a switch device with a clear display portion 22F can be realized even when the swing operation is repeated over a long period of time.

  In the above description, the ribs 22G are described as being formed on both sides of the display unit 22F in the swinging direction of the operation unit 22A. However, the longitudinal ends of both ribs 22G are connected to surround the display unit 22F. The present invention can be implemented even if a substantially frame-shaped rib is formed on the frame.

  In the above description, the illumination display unit 22D is described as being formed by removing the non-translucent part 22C formed by printing on the upper surface of the translucent part 22B into a predetermined shape. However, the translucent part and the non-translucent part are described. The illumination display portion 22D may be formed by so-called two-color molding.

  Further, in the above description, the operation body 22 is described as being pivotally supported by the case 1, but the operation body 22 is pivotally supported by a shaft portion provided on the holding body 7. It is also good.

  In the above description, the switch device of the swing operation type in which the switch contact is electrically connected / disconnected by swinging the operating body 22 has been described. As shown in the perspective view of the main part of FIG. A main body portion 23 having a substantially cylindrical shape and provided with a switch contact portion (not shown) inside, and a substantially cylindrical operation body 24 rotatably held by the main body portion 23. In a rotary operation type switch device that electrically contacts and separates the switch contact portion in accordance with the rotary operation, the operation is performed near both sides in the rotational direction of the display unit 24B printed on the operation surface 24A of the operation body 24. The present invention can be carried out even if the rib 24C is extended and formed in a direction orthogonal to the rotation direction of the body 24.

  That is, by forming the ribs 24C in the vicinity of both sides in the rotation direction of the display unit 24B, when the operation body 24 is rotated with, for example, the thumb, the thumb abuts on the ribs 24C to rotate the operation body 24. However, since it is difficult for the rib 24C to directly contact the display unit 24B, the display unit 24B is not easily blurred or chipped, and the display unit 24B is clearly maintained.

  In the above description, the configuration in which the automatic return push switch 4 is mounted on the upper surface of the wiring board 3 and the switch contact is formed has been described. However, a plurality of fixed contacts are provided on the upper surface of the wiring board 3 with carbon or the like. Various switch contacts, such as a dome-shaped movable contact made of a thin conductive metal plate on top of this, or a rubber or other push button with a movable contact formed on the bottom of the fixed contact. The present invention can be implemented even with a configuration using the.

  The switch device according to the present invention has a simple configuration, and even if the operating body is swung or rotated, the display portion of the operation surface is hardly blurred or chipped, and the display portion is clear even after long-term use. It can be realized and is useful for a switch device mainly used for operation of various electronic devices in a vehicle interior such as an automobile.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Case 1A Opening part 1B Shaft part 3 Wiring board 4 Push switch 4A Push button 5 Light emitting element 6 Push pin 7 Holding body 7A Guide hole 22, 24 Operation body 22A Operation part 22B Translucent part 22C Non-transparent part 22D Illumination display part 22E , 24A Operation surface 22F, 24B Display part 22G, 24C Rib 22H Press part 22J Shaft hole 23 Body part

Claims (1)

The operation surface includes an operation body that is formed so as to be swingable or rotatable, and a switch contact that is electrically connected to and separated from the operation surface. A switch device in which ribs higher than the display unit are formed extending in the vicinity of both sides of the display unit in a direction orthogonal to the swinging or rotating direction of the operating body.

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